MEMORIAL OF FALLEN PATRIOTS
Below are individuals who gave so much throughout their lives, and who were taken much too soon.
Missouri Militia
July 9, 1981 - September 20, 2005
Jeff joined the militia out of a sense of duty to help his country and was an active volunteer for nearly 2 years. He served a tour of duty with the U.S. Air Force rising to the rank of Airman 1st Class. He was attending college and planned on taking ROTC to become an Army Officer. He was a dedicated patriot, always willing to learn, and when put in command, unassuming but a leader. In the spring of 2004 he spent a week in Arizona working with volunteers of The Minuteman Project. He was present at training sessions even when he had as little as three hours of sleep, he did not complain and as always had his can do attitude with him. He was killed in a motorcycle accident on his way home from work. He is survived by his wife of one year, Wendy.
" As his commander I can say honestly that he will be missed by all of us. Good Patriots such as Jeff are hard to come by, as he was willing to walk the walk." -
R.J. Sumpter, Commanding Officer 1st Battalion / 3rd Brigade Missouri Militia
FINAL INSPECTION
author unknown
The Soldier stood and faced God
Which must always come to pass
He hoped his shoes were shining
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now you Soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
The Soldier squared his shoulders and said
"No Lord I guess I ain't,
'Cause those of us who carry guns
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work on Sundays
And at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I've been violent
Because the world is awfully rough.
But I never took a penny
That wasn't mine to keep,
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here,
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here
Lord it needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much
But if you don't, I'll understand."
There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod,
As the Soldier waited quietly
For the judgement of his God.
"Step forward now you Soldier,
You've borne your burden well,
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."
